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Vermont first state to get wireless 911

TEXT 911:In this April 18, 2012 photo, David Tucker, executive director of Vermont's Enhanced 911 Board, holds a smart phone in Montpelier, Vt. Tucker says the state is the first in the country where customers of the four major wireless carriers can send text messages to 911. As of Monday, May 19, T-Mobile customers in Vermont are now able to text 911. Verizon, AT&T and Sprint began the service earlier. Photo: Associated Press/Toby Talbot

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — The head of the organization that oversees Vermont’s 911 emergency telephone system says the state is the first in the country where customers of the four major wireless carriers can send text messages to 911.

David Tucker says that as of Monday T-Mobile customers in Vermont are now able to text 911.

Verizon, AT&T and Sprint began the service earlier.

The Federal Communications Commission says that local governments in 16 states are now using it and the chief executive of the Virginia-based National Emergency Number Association calls it a big deal.

Brian Fontes says that it’s important that the nation’s 911 centers are equipped with technology to provide information to emergency responders.